There have been some who have seen me from a different perspective . . .

It all started when I asked, “What can I do for you?”

I was not prepared for the answer. I received a complete negative critique with a list of who I was to be and what I was supposed to do. As time went by, I found myself bracing for a negative comment each time we talked.Eventually, I developed a sense that others wanted to respond in the same way.

The challenge to navigate the tasks set before me became increasingly difficult because of the constant push back. I tried to make accommodations; however, the negativity took too much of my energy and time.

My thought was this:

As soon as I do _______, then all will be well.

I kept trying to change the story by trying harder.

BUT.

NOTHING WORKED!

In the end, the problem remained. I could not be who I’m not to be. I could not do what I am not to do.

I finally realized the negativity did not come from a place of truth but a place of lies. I needed to move out of the darkness of lies into the light of truth.

First things first: I needed to forgive.

The toxicity of lies remains until it’s let go. Lies will eventually rule every part of life if, they are not faced and let go.

Then: I needed to make some changes so I could live the best story by being who God called me to be to complete my life assignment.

The best for you and I is the best for others when it’s based on God’s unstoppable love and powerful grace. It’s important to realize that not everyone wants us to change the way we behave and relate to one another, whether it’s for the best or not. Change is often uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful.

At the end of the day: I choose who I am and what I do through the love and grace of God rather than from those who have a different agenda. I’ve incorporated a simple question into the way I evaluate my life: “Are these words and actions based on love and grace?”

There’s no need to choose to live in a place of lies when there’s a bridge of love and grace leading to a place where it’s possible to be who we are created to be and do what God has planned: “shining like stars in the sky.”–Kerrie